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Hyperpituitarism
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By: Shelbie Singleton
First Things First
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What is the pituitary gland?
 Known as the “master gland” because it controls the activity of other endocrine glands
 It secretes a number of hormones involved in metabolism, growth, blood pressure, and
sexual maturation and function
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Hormones
 Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
 Growth Hormone (GH)
 Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
 Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
 Prolactin
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What is Hyperpituitarism?
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Overactive pituitary gland
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The pituitary gland secretes excessive amounts of hormones due to a body imbalance
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ie: presence of a tumor
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Generally unknown cause
Signs & Symptoms
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Headache
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Visual field loss or Double Vision
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Excessive sweating
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Hoarseness
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Milk secretion from breast
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Sleep Apnea
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Joint pain and limitation of motion
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Diagnostics
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Vary depending on cause
 MRI
 CT Scan
 CBC
 Treatment
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Depends on the underlying cause
 Surgery
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Transsphenoidal adenomectomy is usually recommended for patients with
acromegaly or Cushing’s disease
 Medication
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Can reduce hormone levels in some cases
 Radiation
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Pts. Who can not undergo surgery and the tumor is not shrinking with
medication
Related Disorders
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Cushing’s Syndrome
 Excessive ACTH
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Hyperthyroidism
 Excessive TSH
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Acromegaly
 Excessive GH
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Prolactinoma
 Excessive Prolactin
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Overview
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Overactive pituitary gland
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Excessive secretion of hormones
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Hyperpituitarism is very rare but fast acting
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Treatment and diagnosis depends on the underlying cause
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Several related disorders